Analyzing Martin Rennie’s tenure at Indy Eleven

Martin Rennie currently holds the record for most matches as the Manager of Indy Eleven after taking the job in the early days of 2018. Rennie was the Successor to Tim Hankinson the former 2016 NASL Coach of the Year following Eleven’s exit from the North American Soccer League joining the United Soccer League. In this article we will look at Rennie’s statistical impact on the Club as well as taking a look at the future of the Club.

(Records are (W-L-T) ) (Records are as of June 14, 2021)

2018: (13-11-10) 7th in USL Eastern Conference (1st Playoff Appearance)

The USL era began in Indianapolis in the early months of 2018 following Eleven’s departure from the NASL. This would be a bit of a rebuild year looking back given the club basically cleaned house following a weak 2017 season compared to the competitive 2016 NASL Finalist year. Rennie would lead the Club to a 7th Overall finish in the USL Regular Season Standings triggering a playoff birth in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs. Statistically speaking Indy finished the Regular Season with a 13-11-10 Record. Indy Eleven would bow out of the Playoffs to the eventual USL Cup Champion Louisville City FC (4-1). Key Players from this season include Striker Jack McInerney scoring 10 Goals for the Club in 31 Appearances. Assist Leader this season was Eleven Captain Ayoze with 8 Assists in 29 Appearances. GK Owain Fawn Williams would have 11 Clean Sheets this season.

2019: (19-9-6) 3rd in USLC Eastern Conference (2nd Playoff Appearance)

Indy would have it’s best season in the Rennie Era during the 2019 Season finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference Standings with a 19-9-6 overall record. Eleven would make a deep run in the USL Cup Playoffs making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the Club’s History falling to Louisville City FC 3-1 After Extra Time. Statistical Leaders this season included Fan favorite Forward Tyler Pasher scoring 13 Goals in 35 Appearances, Assists Leader(s) was a 3 way tie between Kenney Walker, Dane Kelly, and Ayoze. GK Evan Newton would join the Club this season ending the year with 9 Clean Sheets. Jordan Farr would also have 5 Clean Sheets this season.

2020: (7-7-2) 3rd in USLC Group E, 9th in USLC Eastern Conferences (DNQ for USL Cup)

2020 was the first season of the Group format in the USL Championship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Indy Eleven would play in Group E finishing the Season with a 7-7-2 Record. A few important issues to note here is the Season had a late start due to complications with the Pandemic. This would also be the only year of the Rennie Era that Eleven did not qualify for the USL Cup Playoffs. Also another important note is this season the USL would eventually cancel the Cup Final due to Tampa Bay Rowdies Players testing positive for COVID-19. Neither the Rowdies or Phoenix Rising would play for the USL title. Statistical Leaders this year would include Tyler Pasher scoring 10 Goals in 15 Appearances, Assist Leader would be another tie between Ayoze and Andrew Carleton with 3 Assists. GK Evan Newton’s Final Season would conclude with 3 Clean Sheets in 15 Appearances.

2021: (3-3-1) 4th in USLC Central Divison of the Eastern Conference, 8th in the USLC Eastern Conference:

The 2021 Campaign (as of June 14, 2021) prior to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Match on Tuesday June 15th puts Eleven 4th in the Eastern Central Division with a 3-3-1 Record. Eleven has only secured 1 point of a possible 9 points prior to Tuesday’s Match. There are still 25 Matches to play this year. This is also the first season that Eleven will play outside of the Eastern Conference facing off against Western Conference opponents such as El Paso Locomotive, and Real Monarchs SLC. (Fun fact Monarchs are currently the Defending Champs of the League Title) There are still 75 Points to be played for this Season. Current Statistics Leaders include Eleven Newcomer Jordan Hamilton with 3 Goals in 7 Appearances, Gordon Wild is currently leading the Assists Bracket with 3 Assists. Jordan Farr currently has 2 Clean Sheets for the year. It’s important to note this year will see a 32 Game Schedule. Along with no outside competitions to be focused on since the US Open Cup is playing with smaller format due to the Pandemic.

Overall:

In his 4 years in charge of the Club statistically speaking (Note this statistic is USL Championship Regular Season Records) Martin has a (42-30-19) Record. USL Stats equal up to an overall of 91 Matches. Rennie has a Playoff Record of (2-2-0) (4) and finally Coaching 3 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches with a (1-2-0) Record (3rd Round being Eleven’s best result in his tenure. Totaling 91 Regular Season, 4 Playoff Games, and 3 US Open Cup Matches in charge totaling 98 Competitive Matches in Charge of Indy Eleven for a Club Record 4 years in Charge.

USL	USL Cup Playoffs	U.S. Open Cup
42-30-19	2-2-0	1-2-0

Grand Totals: 45 Wins, 34 Losses, and 19 Draws in 98 Competitive Appearances

Looking Forward (Ayers’ Opinion):

There is still 25 Matches to contend for a Playoff Spot during this Year’s USL Championship. As it stands Indy Eleven is in the hunt to make the USL Cup Playoffs. If Eleven can manage to make a Playoff Push after an average start to the 2021 Campaign I can definitely see Rennie getting the nod to return for a 5th Season. I think complications caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic is a big reason many may see Rennie’s Tenure as a failure but it’s really important to be mindful that when it comes to USL Championship it’s more important you make the playoffs compared to winning a Regular Season Championship. It’s a cool piece of silverware to obtain but aside from a number 1 overall seed and home field advantage in the Playoffs it really doesn’t mean anything. If Eleven makes the Playoffs especially after almost completely overhauling the roster. I’d consider the year a success.

***Statistics found in this Article come from the USL Website (For USL Stats) and the Cup.US (for US Open Cup Records) This blog is always open to fact check for the betterment of the Platform.

Bloomington Crossroads FC: Indiana’s next big Soccer Grassroots Campaign

Many successful Soccer Clubs in the United States are backed by great supporters such as Portland’s Timbers Army, Indy Eleven’s Brickyard Battalion, Minnesota United’s Dark Clouds are a few that come to mind. Recently we’ve seen a boom in expansion of the World’s Game with the United Soccer League expanding to a 3 tier system and the National Independent Soccer Association obtaining D3 Status and creating an Amateur to professional pyramid as well. With this we’ve seen a boom in interest for smaller markets creating conversation on Twitter. Recently Bloomington, Indiana came into the conversation. In November the Twitter handle @BTNCrossroadsFC found its way into the local soccer network. The handle even has its own crest and has even been in talks to NISA about the possibility of Bloomington, IN having a NISA Nation Club team in the future. Many Hoosier Soccer fans are familiar with significance of Soccer with Indiana University who are 8 time National Champions in Division 1 Soccer. Indiana has a background when it comes to grassroots Soccer Promotion efforts. The most successful being Indy Eleven’s Brickyard Battalion who started in the early 2010’s with “Racing Indy FC” to rile up interest of bringing an MLS Team to Indianapolis. In 2013 Indy Eleven would be announced and the rest is history. A Member of Crossroads stated that they have been in talks about expanding interest of bringing an ownership group to Bloomington with idea of having an NISA Nations expansion team come to Bloomington. The Group is even in the process of creating a kit for the future club through Koncept Kitz on Twitter. The Group has also made a Youtube Channel Called BTown Crossroads TV.

Bloomington Crossroads stated they are in talks with NISA on the prospect of bringing a Club to Bloomington, IN and intend to stay in talks with the League until an ownership group takes interest in the idea. To learn more about Bloomington Crossroads FC be sure to follow them on Twitter @BTNCrossroadsFC and Subscribe to their Youtube Channel.

https://twitter.com/BTNCrossroadsFC

Transfer News: Evan Newton gets loaned out to NYCFC

December 7, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS:

Indy Eleven officials noted today that GK Evan Newton will be going on loan to New York City FC for upcoming CONCACAF Champions League fixtures this winter. Newton is the second Eleven GK to be loaned out to a MLS side for Champions League matches. The first being former Eleven GK Kristian Nicht who played for the Montreal Impact during their 2015 CCL Final run that ended against Mexican side Club America. Newton has a history of good performances in Cup competitions most notably during his time at FC Cincinnati when Cinncy had a deep US Open Cup run in 2017 when the former USL side went all the way to the semifinals falling to the New York Redbulls 3-2 after extra time. Newton was also the 2018 USL Golden Glove Winner. Statistically speaking Newton had 3 Clean sheets in 15 appearances during the 2020 USL Championship Season and only conceded 18 goals. Factor in the season got shortened due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Newton faced 52 shots, had 34 saves with a 65.4 success rate at goal. Newton was added as 3rd option for the Sky Blues.

Possibilities on why this move happened:

Indy Eleven wants to assess Newton’s fitness going into next season:

We have seen with many American soccer clubs that key players will go on loan for various reasons during the offseason. We’ve seen it with key players in the USMNT contracted to MLS Clubs in the past. Newton has an opportunity to prove once again to a National (in this case international) audience that he has the ability to play in big matches. The probability of Newton getting a start during this competition is low simply for the fact that City Keeper Sean Johnson has taken most of the touches at goal this season.

NYCFC is looking at depth in the GK Position:

Currently New York has 2 players contracted to the GK position. Most notably Sean Johnson who played in 23 matches this season and holds a 12-8-3 record in MLS. In the CCL Johnson had 11 saves last time out against Tigres in the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals. Luis Barraza the back up keeper is yet to have any touches in the 2020 Season Currently (as of November 20, 2020) All keepers on the first team are currently healthy. This move was done simply out of precaution since the team is probably still recovering from the 2020 MLS Campaign.

Historically speaking American MLS Clubs have had a hard time in the CONCACAF Champions League. Real Salt Lake is the only American MLS team to grace the finals of the competition in its current format. More recently Canadian clubs have had more success in the CCL with Toronto FC being runners up in 2018 and prior to that the Montreal Impact being runners up in 2015. Currently Atlanta United and LAFC are also still competing in this year’s tournament.

New York City FC will play Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 2 (City is down 0-1 on aggregate currently) on December 15th at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, FL at 10:30 PM ET.

Indy adds forward Cal Jennings from Memphis 901 FC

INDIANAPOLIS:

On December 4, 2020 Indy Eleven welcomed Cal Jennings to be the first signing of the Eleven’s 2021 Campaign. Jennings was 901’s leading Goal Scorer hitting the back of the net 9 times in 14 appearances. 901 finished last in their group failing to clinch a playoff spot. Jennings joins a strike group with veterans Tyler Pasher and Nick Moon who have combined 12 goals for the Club during the 2020 Campaign. Jennings is most known for his time at the University of Central Florida where he scored 46 times in 64 Appearances. He was drafted by FC Dallas in the 2020 MLS Superdraft but never signed for the Club. Jennings was named the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 15 after netting his first professional hat trick against Birmingham Legion Football Club. Per Indy Eleven’s Website Jennings is quoted saying “I’m extremely excited to get started with Indy Eleven. From the professionalism of the club to the quality of the people I’ve met so far within the organization I’m sure this will be a great fit,” said Jennings. “I’m looking forward to interacting with the fans and serving this club and my teammates to the best of my ability.” Jennings comes into an Eleven squad with a great opportunity to compete for a top spot against Tyler Pasher. This will be a signing that many may look at with speculation at first but given this player’s recent contributions to Memphis 901 FC he should be a good fit for Martin Rennie’s Squad. Below are various highlights from Jennings’ time at Memphis 901 FC.

Highlights from Jennings’ Hat Trick versus Birmingham:

Jennings’ Goal against Louisville City:

The Return: 2021 Ending a 3 Year Hiatus

Ayers:

3 Years ago I left Indianapolis to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In April of 2020 I was medically discharged and have since returned to the Midwest. After long and careful consideration I have decided to begin blogging after 3 years of writer’s block. 3 years that really felt like a small lifetime. To begin my journey of creativity in 2021 I want to lay out some personal ethics for the future of this blog along with a few future goals for the future of the Outlet.

Ethics of Central State FC:

1. Central State FC is an outlet that promotes the further progression of the Soccer Community in the United States of America. Ultimately our goal will be to cover our local club Indy Eleven Professional Soccer but also to promote surrounding projects that will promote the World’s Game.
2. Central State FC promotes the practice of Free Speech. CSFC does not align with any party or movement politically and will not attack group identities based on race or ethnicity, sex, religion, political affiliation, or gender. We promote an inclusive environment.
3. Any criticisms brought on by the contributor(s) are meant to be idea based. Personal attacks on Players, Managers, Supporters, Supporter’s Groups will not be tolerated. Criticisms are meant to be based on the message. Not the Messenger.
4. Central State FC aims to promote integrity through its outlet. Fact checking will be essential to the success and future growth of the Blog. Statistics will only be used from reputable sources I.E. (The USL, or the Club) CSFC does not tolerate the promotion of “Fake News”.
5. Central State FC aims to maintain a professional relationship with the Organizations we cover. Our aim is to promote, and to provide empirical content to expand viewership and good character.

Goals for 2021:

1. Create empirical content for the upcoming 2021 Season
2. Collaborate with other local outlets to promote the Local Media.
3. Reestablish a Podcast for Central State FC.
4. Promote and Maintain a Professional Relationship with Indy Eleven.

Finally, I would like to point out the amount of time put in to return to this former hobby of mine. The Soccer Community has been a big part of my young adult life since I first started writing and attending matches in 2014. I personally believe that if there ever is something that you a strong connection to you should go out and do what you enjoy.

Looking back on Indy Eleven’s inaugural USL Season

INDIANAPOLIS:

Indy Eleven concluded its first regular season campaign falling 1-0 to Louisville City last weekend across the “Ohio” at Slugger Field. Despite the loss, Indy Eleven clinched its first playoff berth in the United Soccer League securing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite some bad performances late in the Season Indy Eleven will finish the season with a 13-11-10 record for their first USL Championship campaign. This article showcases 3 important impacts that the club has had in the 2018 Season and a quick preview for their upcoming playoff match against Louisville City.

 

The Players:

Indy Eleven cleaned house at the end of the 2017 season. Of course, finishing second to last that season definitely called for that. But acquisitions such as Jack Mcinerney who scored 10 goals for the Club in 30 Appearances, Eugene Starikov from the New York Cosmos (6 goals) and of course Soony Saad. Ayoze Garcia was a solid pick up for the backfield banging in 4 goals in 28 appearances. Don’t forget the homecoming of household names such as Dylan Mares and Zach Steinberger back in Indy as well. Overall the team is an absolute 180 degree turn from the 2017 squad and we have a lot to look forward to following the Playoffs. A few questions do rise early on for Zach Steinberger’s future. Will, Steinberger sign with North Carolina FC after going on loan and almost salvaging their season? Only time will tell. 

Martin Rennie:

The acquisition of Martin Rennie to Indy Eleven was (and is) a solid addition to the team. Having a coach with experience from the entire US Soccer Pyramid along with a UEFA Pro License from his time managing abroad. On the North American side, however, he’s best known for leading the Vancouver Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup Playoff appearance and a Cascadia Cup. Rennie helped Indy Eleven take the USL by storm this season by gutting the existing roster and creating a new one along with a good run of form midseason saw Indy’s first playoff birth in the United Soccer League. It’s a good start. There definitely will be a lot to look forward to next season. 

Lucas Oil Stadium:

Many have their reservations playing at Lucas Oil Stadium, of course, competing with American Football lines on a Soccer pitch can definitely be an issue. However, having Indy Eleven play in a “new stadium” has it’s plus sides. 1. Expansion. Indy Eleven is up in attendance this season averaging 10,163 fans according to the United Soccer League’s attendance figures. Currently ranked 3rd in League attendance the long-term move to LOS is starting pay off statistically speaking this means Indy is 1,209 fans from 2017’s average of 8,954 attendees. The long-term strategy for the Club is to build a Soccer Specific Stadium in the City of Indianapolis but right now for the time being at Lucas Oil Stadium is good for the Club. There are some kinks that still need to be worked out in how the Brickyard Battalion will continue to operate having so much more space to cover in having a larger section but overall the experience continues to get better.

Indy has made it clear last offseason that they intend to continue to use Carroll Stadium at IUPUI in the event that different events at LOS conflict with the Eleven.

 

Looking on to Louisville:

The Louisville City – Indy Eleven rivalry has been a spectacle to watch since Louisville was established in 2015. The all-time record of the clubs is (2-2-2) in all competitions One of the most notable performances was Indy Eleven’s win over LCFC at home in the 2016 US Open Cup. Omar Gordon and Indy Eleven all-time leading goal scorer Eamon Zayed scored in the match to carry Indy Eleven to the next round of the Cup. As for the 2018 USL Campaign Indy Eleven and Louisville are still quite equal sharing a 1-1-1 record. The most recent result, of course, was when the Eleven fell to Louisville at Slugger Field 1-0. As for the Playoff match Expect a tough match. On paper the teams match up pretty evenly, however, there are a few different details to note with this match. Louisville City is the defending USL Cup Champions. On top of this, they have a great history when it comes to the Playoffs in the USL. Indy Eleven’s only playoff experience was in the 2016 NASL Championship where they went on to play in their first playoff final against Cosmos where they would fall to New York on penalties. As for this season, however, expect a good showing from the Eleven. Geographically this will be an awesome match because you will see a full away section of fans from the BYB on site for the match. Indy Eleven can win but it will indeed be tough.

 

Author’s Final Word:

Overall, I’m quite impressed with how Indy Eleven has navigated the 2018 campaign. The new coach, new atmosphere, and new players has definitely paid off for the Eleven this season. I expect Indy to come in on all cylinders to upset City and move on in the playoffs. It’s going to be an awesome match. Below is a picture we took on an away day match against North Carolina back in the Spring. 

 

 

Saying Goodbye to the City that raised me (A Farewell to Indy)

How do you say goodbye to the City that raised you? Some people put heartfelt messages on Social Media, some have farewell parties. Well, why not a farewell blog post?

In its entirety, I have spent 18 years, and about 6 months living in the Circle City. Aside from my stint in Evansville some 3 years ago. Since 2014 I have had the pleasure of connecting with the local soccer community working on different media outlets such as the Inscriber Magazine based out in Cleveland, and the most notable outlet was with Midfield Press in 2015 and 2016.

Following the completion of the 2017 Season, I will be taking a pause in blogging, and any media activity to pursue a career in the United States Marine Corps. I am slotted to attend Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot – San Diego on November 27th or even earlier if called. This also means I will be moving away from Indianapolis (and Indiana for the first time) I’ve never lived outside of Indiana. The farthest I’ve traveled is East Coast, and farthest west is Oklahoma City. It will definitely be a huge cultural change.

For the last 3 years, I have found my best work in blogging about Indy Eleven and doing podcasts with my partner in Media hysteria Colin Steitz with the Two Americans Podcast. There is so much to talk about when you think about the last 4 years at Indy Eleven. From the build-up years of 2014 and 2015 to the stellar 2016 Spring Season, The first time Indy beat the Cosmos at the Mike, The home semi-final against FC Edmonton, to the heartbreaking defeat in the Championship Final and the disappointing 2017 campaign there has been a lot to talk about when it comes to the Indy Eleven. If it isn’t about the Eleven there has always been the fantastic tifo displays put together by the Brickyard Battalion and don’t forget to mention the politics and mediocrity that is US Soccer.

But what has been most important to me has been the personal experiences that I have had when it comes to Indy Eleven, Indianapolis and beyond that.

First, I want to thank the front office personnel at Indy Eleven for giving me the opportunity to cover the team more specifically I want to send a shout out to John Koluder and Scott Stewart for making that possible. Also, Good luck at Louisville City Scott! I want to also give a shout out to the Media Corps of Indy Eleven (You know who you are).

Secondly, Jason Bruzzichesi I want to thank you for your guidance these last few years when it’s come to blogging, NASL DG, and joining the Marine Corps. You are one of the best friends one could have and I hope to finally get to share a beer with you when I find myself in North Carolina next summer. You are the embodiment of what makes a great Marine.

To my friends, I have made in my time in Brickyard Battalion I want to wish you all the best. Here are a few people I’d like to mention in that: (these are done by the date we’ve met)

Shane Linker, I want to personally thank you for being the first person that welcomed me into the deeper side of Indy Soccer in 2015 in that match against the Carolina Railhawks. I’m not sure what the result of that fixture was exactly but that match definitely sprung a friendship I definitely will cherish while I’m away, and when I’ll return.

Gus and Danielle Ochoa, You guys are the best, I am very thankful to have you guys around. Gus, it was a blast getting to jump in a few interviews with you and the radio show. I definitely will be stopping by the Ochoa household when I return on boot leave from the Marine Corps. I owe you both a lot. I wish you both the best.

Celeste Jameson, Michael Patrick, and Ben Voegele, I want to thank you guys for helping me develop my interest in all things Portland, Oregon. I hope I can find myself in Providence Park for a live Portland Timbers match sometime in the future. All 3 of you guys are good people. I wish you all the best.

Colin Steitz, My man. My brother. You sir (IMO) are the loudest supporter in the Brickyard Battalion. You are primed to be a fantastic Capo for the club and I hope you eventually get to be on the capo stand. Your analysis on all things UEFA (more specifically the Bundesliga) along with your wit when it came to the podcasts we have collaborated on in the recent past. I wish you all the best in your quest in the field of economics. You will do fantastic.

Trey Higdon, I want to thank you for being a fantastic (and frequent guest) on the 2AP. You have come a long way in your young career. From leading LFC Indy to be one of the best (if not the best) supporter’s group outside of Indy Eleven along with all of the media contributions you have made for Indy Eleven. I wish you the best of luck in your career.

Michelle Kennedy,  You are probably the MVP on this list. Issues aside. I have fulfilled a dream of finding someone that I can share my “passions” with. Whether it’s soccer or impromptu trips to 3 different states in a day to the good times we have in our personal time. I want to thank you for your patience and helping me become a better person in the time we have spent together. I don’t think you have seen this directly but I am definitely a very different person than I was when we first met. I’ve been told that a woman’s role in a relationship is to “Make a boy into a man” (That sounds really fucked up, I know) You have helped me when everyone else left the picture and stook with me through the storm and I’m happy to know that you will be there once I get through it all once I reach the fleet this time next summer. You have helped me mature. You also have helped me lost 35 pounds by pushing me to prepare for the USMC. You are my favorite person, and I hope that we can span our future in the Marine Corps. Your advice has helped me a lot when it has come to the preparation and you are an embodiment of the ethos of the Marine Corps.

Honorable Mentions:

David and Carla Rosenfield, I want to thank you guys for your contributions to the club and putting up with my bullshit when I went through my troll phase on social media. David I would like for to consider you for my 2nd or 3rd “Daddy” slot. (Jokes aside) You guys are fantastic and Indy needs more brass.

Brandi Frewer and David Rash, I know we may not know each other that well. I believe I met you guys through Shane at some point at the beginning of this season. You guys are good people. I want to stay connected to you guys here in the future and you are always welcome in the Ayers household.

Nipun Chopra, for asking all of the “tough questions” when it comes to the future of the Eleven.

Patrick Haggan, for the amount of trash talk we’ve shared on social media and the good conversations we’ve shared at matches.

There are many more stories I can share. Many more people to thank. These are a few impressionable ones that come to mind.

Aside from the Soccer World:

I want to reach out to those that have helped during the first two years of my Undergraduate Education such as my friends at the Indiana Medical History Museum, IUPUI, and Ivy Tech. (I will reach out to you personally)

The future is bright, a bit mysterious in some ways. But my second stint in Indianapolis has been not only enjoyable but a growing experience in many ways. Building up to independence and also learning more about the little things that make this city great. I may not be able to attend an Eleven match that much these next few years but I know that I will either be live streaming the match or be there in spirit.

 

 

Ayers: I have a love-hate relationship with Tim Hankinson

Tim Hankinson, The Man, The Myth, The Legend?

Tim Hankinson has seen almost every level of US Soccer from his experiences in MLS with Tampa Bay, The Colorado Rapids. The NASL, with San Antonio Scorpions, Indy Eleven to the college level coaching a few NCAA schools in the late ’80’s and on top of that international experience in Jamaica and Iceland to name a few. With experience like that would make any second division soccer club like Indy Eleven top contenders to pick the man up.

“The Love”:

Coach Hank earned his spot as one of the most successful managers in Indy Eleven’s young history in 2016 earning the club’s first silverware winning the 2016 Spring Season Championship and leading Lady Victory to the Club’s first Championship Final against the New York Cosmos where they, unfortunately, lost on penalties. (Please don’t remind me) Hankinson was also honored by the NASL as the Coach of the Year.

As a manager Hankinson definitely has decent recruiting skills introducing the league to the talents of Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun, and Nicki Paterson to name a few.

The 2016 Season by far will be one of the most important campaigns this club may ever have. Of course, until the Club finally wins the title or the US Open Cup.

Hankinson also very knowledgeable about the Beautiful Game. When he finally retires his name will definitely go down in US Soccer History as one of the most experienced, and colorful manager’s of the federation’s MLS era.

If Hankinson were to leave Indy Eleven today he would easily be the Club’s most successful manager.

“The Hate”:

With every decent manager comes a few challenges. It’s hard to say who, or what is to blame for the 2017 Campaign being as bad as it has. Coming into a preseason with a lot of injuries with a huge chip on your shoulder from being a few penalties away from the Club’s first League Title in the history of the club it definitely would take a toll on you everytime you take to the pitch, or look at highlights from the prior season.

Personnel Losses:

On top of that as a manager, you have to face the harsh realities of losing key talent within the club. Dylan Mares’ exit to Miami FC may be one of Coach Hank and the Front Office’s biggest failures of the past offseason.The loss of Assistant Manager Tim Regan also hurts the mentality of the club. If Hankinson had to part ways with Regan because of a conflict of interest I hope he did his best to keep the man at the club.

Also, the loss of Duke Lacroix was a huge loss for the Club. His time at Orange County SC proves he could have had a decent shot at our Starting XI. Especially this season.

The loss of Lovel Palmer to Miami FC was also a punch in the face. This wouldn’t be Hank’s fault. However, it is a very savage move by a league rival to snatch up one of your former starting defenders.

The Nature of the League in 2017:

I’m sure many fans around the league would agree that the nature of the NASL in the 2017 season has been everything but fantastic. Teams are spread out throughout the continent. Puerto Rico, Edmonton, and San Francisco being our longest away days. Many matches this season are played in back to back matches against the same club. Given there are only 8 clubs in the league. Hankinson definitely has had to deal with the issue of trying to keep his tactics secret against these teams. He’s also done well in those reverse fixtures. The 2017 Spring Season was not kind to the club either finishing 6th with a 4-8-4 record. The 2017 Fall Season has been an absolute disaster going 3-2-6 so far. 3 of the 6 losses have been at home. Which of course by the tradition of Indy Eleven losing at home is a sin.

Some Final Thoughts:

I am really looking forward to what Tim has to offer against the Cosmos this Saturday. He may have issues with fitness when it comes to a number of games the club has played recently but I do know for a fact that matches like these are some of the most important games of the year.

Personally, I believe Hankinson would be a more successful Coach in another league like Major League Soccer or the United Soccer League. There’s more for the man to study versus having to deal with a crumbling North American Soccer League. Depending on how the season ends along with moves by the FO and the possible folding the league I do think Hankinson should be given a shot by Ersal to coach a USL side. Or in the event, he is let go by Indy Eleven he definitely should look at managing in the United Soccer League. There’s a large number of games like MLS and a diverse amount of clubs where it’s hard for other clubs to figure out your system.

As long as the Boys in Blue play for Hankinson he’ll manage to be successful at Indy Eleven. If he loses the locker room Hank will have a really hard time keeping his job.

 

 

 

Indy Eleven wins, looks forward to NYC

Indy Eleven had a pretty impressive showing against Puerto Rico FC on Wednesday night taking down PRFC 2-1 off a brace from Birthday Boy Eamon Zayed who now also holds the club record for most goals scored with 24 goals for Lady Victory. Indy Eleven came off a 5-0 defeat against North Carolina FC earlier in the week. On top of this, the club is working on a 4 game schedule within 10 days. Indy Eleven should complete the 3rd match of the run against New York Saturday before traveling to San Francisco October 11th.

Disciplinary Issues was one of the main highlights of the night:

Yellow Cards plagued Indy Eleven Wednesday Night as Kwame, Torrado, Corey Miller, and Goldsmith all got yellow cards and thankfully not getting a red in the process. There were a few times during the match that the officials probably could have pulled out the red card a few times last night when the match decided to become an all-out brawl in extra time.

Indy Eleven conceded a penalty in the 88th minute when Torrado handballed in the penalty box. Ultimately Gentile would convert the penalty attempt making the final score 2-1.

Contributor’s Thoughts:

* Tim Hankinson had a good response to this past week’s loss to North Carolina FC (5-0) He’s managed to pull the Eleven out of the last place to now 6th place on the NASL Fall Season Table. Another win against the Cosmos would put the Eleven in 5th place. A win and a loss from Edmonton could put Indy Eleven in the top 4 and Tim if you are reading this. We made sure to “Write nice Things” 😉

*Eamon Zayed has proved that he is one Indy Eleven’s all-time best players in the win against PRFC scoring his 8th and 9th goals of the season. We definitely want to congratulate him on a job well done and a belated happy birthday!

*Kwame Watson Siriboe had a decent first half on Wednesday taking a few headers in the penalty box to prevent Puerto Rico FC from scoring. He’s definitely had a tough season so far and has been a very controversial topic when you talk to the fans. He had a decent match. The only flaw was colliding with Brad Ring in the penalty box in the first half.

 

Also, Fuck the Cosmos. – LDA

 

 

North Carolina FC is making a strong case for MLS

Many NASL fans know North Carolina FC as the Carolina Railhawks of course, a lot changes once you put your club into strong consideration for MLS and North Carolina definitely has made a strong case to become one of the elite organizations in the United States and North America as a whole. Here is how North Carolina makes a strong case to become the next southern stronghold in American Soccer.

1. Stephen Malik

Stephen Malik has made a strong presence as not only an owner but as an advocate for the North American Soccer League but also for North Carolina. If it weren’t for the leadership of Malik the 2017 NASL Season probably wouldn’t have kicked off.Malik joined the US Soccer Board of Directors this past spring and decided to rebrand the Carolina Railhawks prior to the 2017 Season during the Division 2 disputes between a struggling NASL and a well-rounded USL making a case to also be America’s Second Division. The Railhawks would become the North Carolina Football Club on December 6, 2016, with intentions of MLS expansion. On top of this Malik bought NWSL side Western New York Flash and revived the North Carolina Courage. His efforts definitely paid off with North Carolina dominating the NWSL currently sitting on top of the table.

2. The Stadium Plans

The first Stadium renderings for North Carolina FC were released back in July with intentions to move the organization to downtown Raliegh building a 22,000 seat stadium with room to expand to 28,000. On top of this, the club said they would build multi-purpose office buildings with restaurant space to increase business usage in the area. Steve Malik told mlssoccer.com his thoughts on the plans saying “I think we have one of the best locations that anyone could possibly dream of,”  “If they wanted to check every box, that’s what we’ve tried to do. We’ve got lots of millennials living around it. We’ve got great walkability. Beyond the soccer, we’ve got 24-hour, [365-day] use for that property and that’s going to bring a lot of value to the community. Soccer is just the catalyst and the engine that allows us to make it happen.” Malik is looking to create a “Public-Private” partnership with the State Government to build and operate the complex estimating $150 million to build the stadium and $750 to complete the entire complex. Obviously, the club is looking to appeal not only to Soccer fans but the rest of the community with creating a complex that will allow easy access to local attractions, local businesses, and places to stay for away days.

3. North Carolina FC’s presence in the NASL

North Carolina is currently second in the NASL table with 11 points trailing Miami FC who have a 5 point lead on the triangle with 16 points.  North Carolina currently sits 3rd on the combined season standings with 32 points in contention with the Cosmos and Jacksonville for the 3rd and 4th slots for the playoffs. In reality, however, if North Carolina goes on a streak they can very well win the NASL Fall Season given Miami FC falls from its current form. If the Season ended following the publishing of this article North Carolina would be the 3rd seed in the NASL Championship this November. As of Wednesday’s loss to Indy Eleven North Carolina have scored 34 goals this season and have conceded 33. North Carolina’s top goal scorer is Midfielder Lance Laing with 8 goals for the season scoring on average every 181 minutes. He also has 4 assists.

North Carolina surely has made the moves in 2017 both on and off the field. Not only are they set up for success in 2017 they will be set up for years to come.